Wednesday, December 31, 2008

As we stand on the threshold of a new year let us be mindful of the three Rs. No, I don't mean "readin', 'ritin', and 'rithmetic". I do mean "Resolutions, Revolutions, & Revelations"!Let's think first of all about:

I. RESOLUTIONSThe inspiration for this message was actually when someone told me they never made resolutions. Now, everybody should make resolutions and I think probably most of us do. We may not make "New Years" resolutions but anytime you resolve to quit doing something you shouldn't, or you resolve to do something you ought do... you are making resolutions! I have failed at many resolutions over the years but then again I have succeeded in enough that I will continue to strive to be better to the glory of God.

Is that not what the Holy Spirit meant for us when he spake through the old warrior Paul, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you."?

-Beseech Christians! [Romans 12:1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

-Beseech sinners! [2 Corinthians 5:20] Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Not only should we think of Resolutions we should consider the right kind of:

II. REVOLUTIONS [Eph. 2:1-10, 4:22-32ff]1. Revolt against the World system!

2. Revolt against the Devil!

3. Revolt against the Flesh, the old nature!

That brings us to the third "R". Let us consider:

III. REVELATIONS1. God has revealed Himself in the Word Inscripturated [Rm. 16:25-27]

Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen .

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.]

Monday, December 29, 2008

Fresh off my triumph over Kwanzaa, I thought I'd mention a couple of other facts that some of us are forced to keep repeating because liberals refuse to learn.

Ravens can learn to snatch fishermen's untended lines to get fish. Worms learn not to eat harmful bacteria (as opposed to the tasty nutritious bacteria they normally feed on). Fruit fly larvae can learn to detect the scent of predators.

But liberals cannot learn that the Aug. 6, 2001, Presidential Daily Briefing titled "Bin Laden Determined to Strike in the U.S." had not a speck of what we call "useful information."

I described the Aug. 6 PDB in detail in my 2006 book "Godless: The Church of Liberalism." The memo read like a fifth-grader's book report that he left to the last minute and had to quickly cobble together with old information on Google. The only "warnings" of future actions by al-Qaida were completely wrong -- for example, suggesting that terrorists might be planning an attack "with explosives" or preparing to attack "federal buildings in New York."

But liberals cite the Aug. 6 PDB as if it were a clarion warning of the 9/11 attacks.

On Dec. 3 this year, MSNBC's Keith Olbermann angrily announced that the Aug. 6 PDB "could have included copies of the terrorist itineraries and the message from the future," but if the president didn't "act on it or perhaps did not even read it," it wouldn't make any difference.In fact, if Bush had directed all members of the executive branch to drop everything and jump on the "warnings" in the Aug. 6 PDB, bomb-sniffing dogs would have been prowling the nation and police lookouts would have been stationed at federal buildings in New York City -- as planes smashed into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

True, the title of the PDB was "Bin Laden Determined to Strike in the U.S." I have a memo on 10,000 waitresses in Los Angeles titled: "Aspiring Actresses Determined to Succeed in Hollywood."

But liberals endlessly repeat the same falsehoods like Stalinist party members, long after normal people have learned the truth and moved on.

Another Stalinesque classic is the left's claim that Sen. Saxby Chambliss ran an ad challenging Max Cleland's patriotism in the 2002 Senate campaign. I've seen the ad. You can see it, too: It's all over the Internet. It does not challenge Cleland's patriotism.

The ad begins by noting that America is facing "terrorists and extremist dictators" -- briefly showing pictures of them -- and goes on to say that although Cleland said he "supports Bush at every opportunity," in fact he had voted against "the president's vital Homeland security efforts 11 times."

Again, as I noted in "How to Talk to a Liberal (If You Must)," Cleland voted against the establishment of a Homeland Security Department ... because it didn't allow for unionization of the work force:

OH MY GOD! THERE'S A PLANE HEADED FOR THE WHITE HOUSE!

Sorry, I'm on my break. Please call back in two hours.

It was a completely legitimate campaign ad -- urgent in fact -- having nothing to do with Cleland's patriotism, but rather addressing his voting record (and, I would add, his sanity).And yet, on MSNBC'S "Countdown" the host and guests vented their spleens at the ad all over again this year, during Chambliss' runoff re-election.

On Nov. 7, Olbermann called it "one of the most shameful moments in the history of American politics." His equally screechy guest Craig Crawford exclaimed: "I was horrified by what Chambliss did to (Cleland) in that campaign!"

On the Dec. 1 "Countdown," Margaret Carlson said: "I don't think enough attention can ever be paid to the ads that were run against Max Cleland. I'm waiting to hear if Chambliss apologizes for that someday."

At least liberals no longer lyingly claim Cleland lost his limbs because of a Viet Cong grenade. So there is that small victory. Soon, perhaps they'll learn to stop eating harmful bacteria.Someday, I could stop writing new columns altogether and could just repost columns and book excerpts I've already written disproving the same yarns liberals spin over and over again.******

CORRECTIONAlthough I am usually stunningly error-free, due to the obvious urgency of getting my next book out as soon as possible after the election, the recession necessitating a proofreader from Bangalore and the sun being in my eyes, there are some minor editing errors in the first printing of "Guilty: Liberal 'Victims' and Their Assault on America." (Out next week!) This will make the first edition something of a collector's item, rather like postage stamps with an upside-down airplane.

One error requires advance warning. On Page 89 of my new book, Frank Rich is quoted as referring to a "barrage of McCarthyesque guilt-by-association charges against [the media's] candidate, portraying him as a fellow traveler of bomb-throwing, America-hating, flag-denigrating terrorists."

Due to an editing error, the brackets around "the media's" in the above quote were left out, making Rich sound like me. I regret the error, and if Rich doesn't think it's an improvement, I apologize to him.--------------------------------------------Ann Coulter. Need I say more?

This is the first song given in the Bible. It has three verses of unequal length. The first verse is a testimonial to others as to Who God is in my life and what He has done for me! It is this verse we will explore in this message.

The second verse [v. 6-10] is directed straight to God and deals with how awesome God is. The third verse of the song [v. 11-18] is likewise directed to God and rejoices in what He will do with reference at the end to what He has already done. Lord willing, these latter 2 verses will be the subject of our next meeting.

I. I WILL SING FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE! [v.1]1. IT IS A SONG OF AN INDIVIDUAL NATURE [v. 1]

"Then sang Moses..." "I will sing..."

2. IT IS A SONG OF A SHARED EXPERIENCE [v. 1]

"Then sang Moses and the children of Israel..."

3. IT IS A SONG OF A WORK OF GRACE [v. 1]

"I will sing unto the LORD, for HE hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath HE thrown into the sea."

II. I WILL SING FOR WHO HE IS! [v. 2]1. HE IS MY STRENGTH

Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.Psalm 27:1 The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?Psalm 28:7 The LORD [is] my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.Jeremiah 16:19 O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and [things] wherein [there is] no profit.Habakkuk 3:19 The LORD God [is] my strength...Romans 5:6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

2. HE IS MY SONG (not just that He gives me a song)

Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.Psalm 118:14 The LORD [is] my strength and song, and is become my salvation.Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.Habakkuk 3:19 The LORD God [is] my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds [feet,] and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.3. HE HAS BECOME MY SALVATION (not automatic)

III. I WILL SING FOR HE IS WORTHY OF PRAISE! [v. 2c-5]1. HE IS MY GOD [v. 2]

Saturday, December 27, 2008

A: Believe it or not, yet another year has come and gone—and believe it or not, the creation/evolution controversy, and along with it the controversy between Christianity and humanism, have yet to be settled!

For the third year in a row (see 2007 and 2006), we’re finishing up the year by recapping the news stories and recurring themes that made headlines in the debate over origins, whether the topics were out among the stars, here on planet earth, or in the culture.

Friday, December 26, 2008

The angel said, "I bring you good tidings of great joy" Lk 2:10. "These things have I written unto you that your joy might be FULL" 1 Jn. 1:4. The good news from heaven was "great joy" and "fullness of joy".

Is your life FULL of GREAT Joy? Not FUN. It can be and should be. "The joy of the Lord is your strength" Fun is earthly, enjoyed by the flesh, Joy is spiritual and enjoy by the new life in Christ. Above all it is the "fruit of the Spirit." When you share the gospel, you are offering them real joy.

How in the world a born again Christian keeps from graciously "preaching" the gospel I will never understand. Be a Spirit filled Christian and start by giving people a good gospel filled tract. Then give the gospel with your tongue, tell them the good news, how the Lord Jesus suffered and died for our SINS, was buried, rose again and was seen by hundreds and let God do the convincing and converting. Someone gave you the gospel, now do unto others the same.

make sense? I LOVE YOU! I WANT YOU TO ENJOY THE TRIP. AND HAVE TONS OF TREASURES AND TROPHIES IN HEAVEN. ABC Sumner Go to www.sumnerwemp.com

Thursday, December 25, 2008

"And he Joseph knew her Mary not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS." (Matthew 1:25)

The actual birthday of Jesus was sometime in the fall (September or October), rather than in December. [I respectfully disagree--- see the Ctirics of Christmas blog earlier this month. -Rick] The date is of lesser consequence, however, than the reason for the celebration (Isaiah 1:18). Heaven itself celebrated the birth (Luke 2:8-14). And after the shepherds got over their fear, they couldn’t stop telling the news. Then there were the wise men from the east who came to worship the one "born king of the Jews" (Matthew 2:1-2). They got there well after the birth, having put their lives on hold, and willingly gave of their time and treasures to honor this great King while they rejoiced with "exceeding great joy" (Matthew 2:10). Surely all Christians should worship and rejoice as well as open our treasuries when we celebrate Christ’s birth.

But if we just focus on the birth, we may miss the greatest reason for the commemoration. After all, there was nothing uncommon about the physical process. But the conception, now that was miraculous (Luke 1:35)! The eternal "Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). The great Creator and Son of God, "foreordained before the foundation of the world" (1 Peter 1:20), submitted to the will of the Father and "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:7). That was why heaven celebrated.

Counting back nine months from around September puts us pretty close to the end of the previous December. Perhaps our sovereign God has orchestrated events so that we would celebrate the real miracle of the conception: "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). HMM III

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Christians being called "believers" or "followers of Christ"SumnerDec 24, 2008

Christmas is about three little words.

The first word is SAVED.

"Unto you is born a SAVIOR" Lk 2:11.

The jailor cried out, "What must I do to be saved" "Believe on the Lord Jesus and thou shalt be saved" Acts 16:31.

There is a big trend to call ourselves "a believer" or a "follower of Jesus" I understand why. But what we need is people who are saved! That all starts with the gospel being given for "the gospel is the power of God unto salvation." Rom. 1;16. Please listen careful and see if the gospel is scripturally given.

This week I received a tract in the mail on John 3:16 and claiming it is the greatest gospel verses in the Bible. Excuse me but the gospel is not given at all in that verse. "The gospel is how Christ died for our sins, was buried, rose again and was seen by hundreds" 1 Cor' 15:1-4. It is not given in John 3:16 or in most sermons preached last Sunday. Listen carefully and it will scare you to see the gospel is not being given. There is no power for salvation in that sermon if the gospel is left out.

Then I received a sermon, preached by one of the most well known preachers of the past. So help me, the gospel was not in it at all and he was called one of the greatest "gospel preachers" of all times. A few months ago I picked up a book of sermons by another great "gospel preacher". I was stunned. Out of the 15 sermons in it only TWO had the gospel in them and both of them just did get it in. That is like leaving Christ out of Christmas. No wonder there are so many professing Christians not possessing one ounce of salvation. This is not to be critical but to be discerning so we will get more people "saved" through our witnessing and preaching. Make sense? Did the Lord Jesus suffer and die for your sins, rise again and seen by hundreds or didn't He? The other words next time.

May you have the most blessed Christmas ever by loving and preaching the gospel.. ABC Sumner

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

For this, the second "Patriot of the Week" blog. I submit to you a column written by my pick for patriot of the week, Pat Buchanan!

This information was provided by Human Events, an excellent source of material relating to Conservatism & patriotism. Please visit their website: http://www.humanevents.com/

"De mortuis nil nisi bonum." Of the dead, nothing but good.

So said Dean Acheson of Sen. Joe McCarthy on his death in 1957. "Tailgunner Joe" had bedeviled the secretary of state for his lassitude toward communist penetration of State in President Truman's time.

But the passing of Mark Felt, associate director of the FBI in the later Nixon years, lately exposed as "Deep Throat," the source for the Woodward-Bernstein stories, calls forth some rebuttal to the tributes lavished upon Felt as the honest lawman who saved our republic.

When the Watergate break-in was traced to the Committee to Reelect the President, Felt was put in charge of the FBI investigation. Almost immediately, he began to leak to Woodward.Felt, it is said, was justified, as the White House was interfering with his investigation. False.This is a moral cloak belatedly cast over more base motives.

The truth: Felt was a bitter man. Having risen through the ranks under J. Edgar Hoover, whose black-bag jobs he had overseen, Felt expected to be rewarded by being named director on Hoover's death. Nixon had passed him over for an outsider, L. Patrick Grey.

By secretly colluding with the Post, Felt was ingratiating himself with an establishment that loathed Nixon, even as he exacted revenge for having being denied by Nixon the post he had coveted.

Had Nixon or aides restricted Felt, the Post would have had an explosive story. But the Post never charged the White House with interfering with the FBI investigation that summer or fall, because it was not interfering.

What Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein ran with were such shockers as that Nixon's men had hired a trickster to ape the Democrats' Dick Tuck, and said trickster had sent dozens of pizzas to a Muskie rally.

The FBI had ferreted out the Artful Dodger, and the Post led with the atrocity. "FBI Finds Nixon Aides Sabotaged Democrats," screamed the four-column headline at the top of page one.

Indeed, if what Felt did was honorable, why did he lie and deny it repeatedly when asked if he was leaking to the Post? Why did he lie in his memoir in 1979, when, well into retirement, he emphatically denied he was Deep Throat? Was Felt so noble he could save our republic, yet refuse, to the point of lying in his memoirs, to take any credit?

Answer: Felt knew what he did was dishonorable, corrupt -- and unnecessary. For honest FBI agents were steadily making progress toward proving that higher-ups at CREEP were involved in aiding those caught in the Watergate break-in.

Felt had another reason for lying about his role as snitch for the Post. Former colleagues would be disgusted, for his was not only a breach of law, but of faith and trust, a dishonoring of his oath as an FBI agent.

One wonders what went through the mind of Felt, when, on trial in Manhattan in 1980 for those FBI black-bag jobs against the Weather Underground that had bombed the Pentagon and Capitol, ex-President Nixon walked into the courtroom to testify in Felt's defense?

When Felt was convicted, Ronald Reagan pardoned him, declaring that if the Carter amnesty was proper for those who had defected to Canada rather than serve in Vietnam, it was right to pardon those who risked their careers to protect the nation.

After exposure as Deep Throat, Felt wrote in a 2006 memoir, "The bottom line is that we did get the whole truth out, but isn't that what the FBI is suppose to do?"

No, Mr. Felt, that is not what the FBI is supposed to do.

Do we really want, here in America, our premier investigative and police agency to get the truth out that it decides to get out?

Would it have been right for Hoover to get the "whole truth out" on JFK's liaisons with suspected German spies, Mafia molls and Marilyn Monroe, and destroy his presidency? Would it have been right for the FBI to get the "whole truth out" of Hoover's secret files, and ruin all the public careers the FBI could have destroyed?

Isn't that what the old KGB did to its enemies?

In the early '60s, Robert Kennedy authorized Hoover to bug and tap Dr. Martin Luther King. When the FBI turned up film of King with loose women, LBJ's White House moved the photos to the Washington press.

Felt knew of this. The Post knew of this. The Washington press corps knew of this. Why didn't Felt and the Post blow the whistle on this squalid deed? Was it not so egregious as sending pizzas to Muskie's rally?

In that Scoundrel Time, the liberal establishment -- the press, the politicians and the police bureaucrats -- colluded to destroy Nixon, even as they covered for JFK and LBJ.

Nixon, you see, was not one of them. Is it not always thus?

Mr. Buchanan is a nationally syndicated columnist and author of many books.

Monday, December 22, 2008

If you wish to know God, you must know his Word. If you wish to perceive His power, you must see how He works by his Word. If you wish to know His purpose before it comes to pass, you can only discover it by His Word." (C.H. Spurgeon)

"There is nothing so costly as ignorance." (Horace Mann)

"I used to ask God to help me. Then I asked if I might help Him. I ended up by asking Him to do His work through me." (Hudson Taylor)

"To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society." (Theodore Roosevelt)

"Loneliness seems to be one pricethe saint must pay for his saintliness. Always remember this: you cannot carry a cross in company. Though a man were surrounded by a vast crowd, his cross is his alone and his carrying of it marks him as a man apart." (A.W. Tozer)

"When I was on board the Mary, those particular parts of the Book of Jeremiah, which relate to the opposition he met with from false prophets, were deeply impressed upon my soul. Now I begin to see the wisdom of God in it; for five churches have already denied me, and some of the clergy, if possible, would oblige me to depart out of these coasts. But I rejoice in this opposition, it being a certain sign that a more effectual door will be opened, since there are so many adversaries." (George Whitefield - Journal - Dec. 10, 1738)

Written to his wife during one difficult time in the work of the China Inland Mission, "We have twenty-five cents - and all the promises of God!" (J. Hudson Taylor)

"If the Lord fails me at this time, it will be the first time." (George Mueller)

"Nothing but Christianity will give you the victory. Until a man believes in his heart that Jesus Christ is his Lord and Master...his course through life will be neither safe nor pleasant. My only regret is that I was so long blinded by my pleasures, my vices and pursuits, and the examples of others that I was kept from seeing, admiring, and adoring the marvelous light of the gospel." (Francis Scott Key, author of the words of our national anthem)

"I would rather sail and hit a rock than sit and rot in dry dock." (Dr. Lester Roloff)

"There was a day when I died; died to self, my opinions, preferences, tastes and will; died to the world, its approval or censure; died to the approval or blame even of my brethren or friends; and since then I have studied only to show myself approved unto God." (George Mueller)

"Be active. Give no place to indolence or sloth. Give no occasion for anyone to say, 'You are idle.'" (John Wesley)

Sunday, December 21, 2008

John 7:42 Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE PLACE OF SORROW [Gn. 35]-the 1st mention of Bethlehem is a time of sorrow and death--- reminding us of the curse sin has brought upon mankind [35:16-19, 3:16]

-Rachel, beloved wife of Jacob, while dying names her son "Benoni" (son of my sorrow) -consider that Christ, born in Bethlehem was the man of sorrows for our sins [Is. 53:3, I Cor. 15:3]

-note also the sorrow of Rachel [Mt. 2:16-18]

II. THE PLACE OF SOVEREIGNS [Ju. 12:8]-the judge Ibzan was from Bethlehem

-Jacob renamed his son "Benjamin" son of my right hand, Christ sits at the Father's right hand! [Gn. 35:18]

-Saul, the 1st king was a Benjamite with a connection to Bethlehem [I Sm. 9:1-2, 25-10:2]

-David, the greatest king of ancient Israel was from Bethlehem [I Sm. 16:1, 13]

-Christ the King of Kings was born in Bethlehem and kings came to honor Him [Micah 5:2, Mt. 2]

III. THE PLACE OF KINSMAN REDEEMER [Ruth 1:22, 2:4, 4:11]-Boaz, the most famous kinsman redeemer of ancient Israel was from Bethlehem

-Christ, became our kinsman through the incarnation, that he might redeem us sinners [Gal. 4:4-5]

Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

IV. THE PLACE OF LIFE-GIVING WATER [2 Samuel 23:14-17]-because of their willingness to sacrifice their lives David said it was their blood

-Christ offers the living water [Jn. 7:37ff, 4:13-14]

V. THE PLACE WHERE THE INCARNATION WAS MANIFESTED [Mt. 2:1-11]1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

VI. THE PLACE OF THE SHEPHERDS [Lk. 2]-David had been a shepherd-they heard the Word [v. 8-14]

Saturday, December 20, 2008

How in the world can a person "preach the gospel to every person" according to Mk 16:15? Let's be practical.

One Way is to give each person you have a personal contact with, a good gospel filled tract. It must tell how Christ died for our sins, was buried, rose again and was seen by hundreds. That is God's definition of the FULL gospel (1 Cor 15:1-4) which is the power of God unto salvation (Rom 1:16) to them who believe.

"How can they believe if they never hear?" Rom 10:14. We each have an inner and outer circle of friends that we must take responsibility for. Here is a practical plan that could change our nation and yours, dramatically. They say there are 50 million Born Again Christians in America. If each one, won one in one year, by the end of one year we would have 100 million Born Again Christians. Then next year each one, won one, in one year, we would have 200 million Born Again Christians in America. That would make a dramatic difference. Make Sense? "He that sows bountifully will reap bountifully" 2 Cor 9:6.

Why don't YOU ask the Lord for one soul a month in your country? "Ye have not because you ask not" James 4:2. To God be the glory, I ask for souls daily and it is staggering how God brings them across my path. He will for you too if you JUST ASK HIM AND OBEY HIM.

Last July 6, Celeste and I ate in a supersalad cafeteria, the first time ever there. They were very busy. I gave our waitress "Your Ticket to Heaven" and just told her, "Please read this and remember an 85 year old man cares whether you go to heaven or not." For many years I have said this to people and found God uses that in peoples' hearts. All week I prayed for her. This is the most powerful thing to do. We went back and saw the waitress. I asked if she read the tract. She had. Then I told her how the Lord Jesus loved her, suffered and died for her sins and mine. He paid the debt in full, was buried, rose again and was seen by hundreds." The whole issue is did He pay for her sins or didn't He. It was so beautiful how God opened the eyes of her understanding. By now tears were in her eyes. When I asked if she wanted to pray with me and tell God she wanted to receive the Lord Jesus as her Savior. She gladly consented and prayed right there to receive the Lord Jesus. She looked up with her face beaming, tears in her eyes and assurance in her heart she was now saved.

We must plant a lot of seed. It is most thrilling when we get to pick the fruit from seed we have planted. The harvest really is plenteous. I hope you are planting seed and picking fruit as well. Let's change the world. Today may be your last chance to win a soul. Jesus is coming any minute now.

YOU are loved by God and me, ABC Sumner "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" Rom 10:13.

Go to www.sumnerwemp.com to enter the drawing to win a pack of tracts "Your Ticket to Heaven" or to order them call 1-877-872-2871. It is the easiest to give out and open the door to share the gospel. Read challenging articles. "Every person is a prospect for salvation."

Atheists from England to the West Coast of America are stepping up their efforts this year to make a bigger antagonistic splash on the Christmas scene. From London and Washington, D.C., buses to Colorado billboards, skeptics are skewering religions with little respect to the adherents of the religions.

At the forefront is a group's government-sanctioned posting of a sign by a Nativity scene in the Capitol of Washington state (and now also in Wisconsin and Illinois): "At this season of THE WINTER SOLSTICE may reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."

I am a patriot, and I believe that atheists are free to believe, speak and post whatever they want. This is America, and that's their First Amendment right. But to do so with harassment and hatred under the guise of free speech is despicable. An anti-religious poster filled with spite is in no way equal to a religious symbol, such as a Nativity scene. Where are the political correctness police when religious followers are the victims?

If such words were written against any social minority group, protests would be ubiquitous. But anti-religious bigotry is in vogue these days. Still, there is absolutely no justification for these atheists' written revile. And if they want to keep using hate-filled language against theists -- particularly Christians -- then they shouldn't be surprised when they meet up with a yuletide (written) roundhouse kick.

Anyone can spew disdain for religion, but is that what America's Founders created our rights for? Just because they post such verbal vomit, does that demonstrate intellectual superiority or the type of moral decency our Founders hoped we would perpetuate?

What profit would there be if I posted a taunt that atheists had no vital part in the founding of our country? As Benjamin Franklin noted in his 1787 pamphlet for those in Europe thinking of relocating to America: "To this may be truly added, that serious religion, under its various denominations, is not only tolerated but respected and practiced. Atheism is unknown there."

What profit would there be if I posted a claim that atheists are un-American because they try to suppress theists' freedom of religion by the false notion of separation of church and state?

What profit would there be if I posted the accusation that atheists are imprudent because they exhaust too much time trying to convince everyone else of the absence of a being who doesn't exist?

What profit would there be if I posted a retort that atheists are igmos because they try to replace Christmas with winter solstice celebrations, which are ancient pagan festivals entrenched in polytheistic religions?

What profit would there be if I posted that atheism hides behind a false pretense that it is scientific when eminent scientist Paul Davies -- the renowned British-born physicist, agnostic and professor of cosmology, quantum field theory and astrobiology -- once spoke against the certainty of atheism to Time magazine (in the column "Science, God, and Man"): "Agnosticism -- reserving judgment about divine purpose -- remains as defensible as ever, but atheism -- the confident denial of divine purpose -- becomes trickier. If you admit that we can't peer behind a curtain, how can you be sure there's nothing there?"

What profit would there be if I posted that atheists are totally blind to the pristine beauty and ordered complexity of creation, so they cannot see the hand of a Creator? As the Bible pointed out 2,000 years ago, "For since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities -- his eternal power and divine nature -- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."

What profit would there be if I posted the fact that atheists denigrate every religion and prayer that ever has been offered? To say God doesn't exist is to say every religious leader in every age was delusional at best. And it also is to say that not one prayer on any continent in any era of human history has been answered. That premise alone rules atheism preposterous and foolish.

Finally, what profit would there be if I posted that I agree with my friend Mike Huckabee, who said on his book tour via Fox News that atheists shouldn't be fighting for a holiday in December when they already have a holiday: April Fools' Day (a holiday also grounded in sacred Scripture, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no god'")?

We all know I would be labeled as an extremist, irrational and a bigot if I posted any of the preceding ideas. Yet atheists do and get away with First Amendment murder.

I'd like to remind our nation that it was only a short time ago when Ronald Reagan freely spoke for the majority by explicitly and passionately conveying belief in Jesus Christ during his presidential Christmas addresses. Compare the message in his Dec. 23, 1981, speech with that of the present day, when the very term "Christmas" is being erased from every corner of culture.

As long as different displays line the corridors of Washington state's Capitol like Christmas potpourri, let me posit this last idea as a final pre-Christmas posting.

At the base of the bust of George Washington (which stands between the atheists' winter solstice sign and the Nativity scene in the Washington state Capitol), I suggest the posting of one more sign, which would contain the wisdom from George Washington's farewell address: "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens."

(Note: In the spirit of Christmas, Chuck is giving away a free chapter of his current New York Times best-seller, "Black Belt Patriotism." To obtain yours, go to: http://www.ChuckNorrisNewBook.com

This information was provided by Human Events, an excellent source of material relating to Conservatism & patriotism. Please visit their website: http://www.humanevents.com/

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

"Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us." (1 Samuel 7:12)

Many Christians have joined in the singing of a familiar verse in an old hymn, without knowing its great meaning: "Here I raise mine Ebenezer; hither by thy help I've come." When the Ark of the Covenant was captured by the Philistines, the old priest Eli and his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, all died the same day, as did Phinehas' wife, in childbirth. It was a tragic day for Israel. But then the people returned to God, under Samuel, and 20 years later the Lord gave them a miraculous victory over the superior armies of the Philistines. In commemoration of this deliverance, Samuel set up a stone monument in the same place where the Philistines had captured the Ark 20 years before, calling the stone "Ebenezer," a name which was always associated thereafter with the site (1 Samuel 4:1; 5:1).

Now "Ebenezer" means "Stone of Help," and seeing it would always remind the people, whenever they might later come to fear the circumstances around them, that God had been their "help in ages past," and thus could be trusted as their "hope for years to come." Only God is truly able to help in times of great need, but He is able! "From whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth" (Psalm 121:1-2).

It is well to remember those times in our own lives when God has helped us in some special way. We forget so easily, and the sin of ingratitude is cited by God as one of the first harbingers of imminent apostasy (note especially Romans 1:21). A physical token can help us remember, but whatever it takes--remember! God will hear and answer our prayers for future help, too, but "with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Philippians 4:6). HMM

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

First a special "shout-out" to Beka- who reads this blog daily! Thanks for the encouragement!

Selected quotes from Commentary on the Gospel of Mark by John A. Broadus

True Repentance"The Greek word translated ‘repent’ means change your mind. In the religious use, it means to change from sin to holiness, from the world’s service to God. Whoever really does this will feel deep sorrow for the sin he has committed, and will at once go to reforming his life. So it is often said that repentance includes sorrow for sin and reformation. But the exact idea of the Greek word is the change of mind, deciding to turn from sin to God. Many lay too exclusive a stress on grief, and on feeling in general. . . . Only the believing will truly repent, only the penitent will fully believe the gospel."

"[T]he pagan and Romish sentiment as to ‘perpetual virginity’ surely does not deserve more respect than the scriptural honor ascribed to marriage (Heb. 13:4) and maternity." (p. 30)

"We sometimes think ourselves neglected and perishing when the dear Lord is on the point of giving us a most blessed deliverance." (p. 39)

"The customs of our churches are not binding unless they are Scriptural." (p. 62)

"Modern textual criticism is no altering Scripture, but simply removing alterations made long ago." (p. 63)

"Observe that Jesus was thoroughly human, and when hungry would look about for food in natural ways; he never wrought miracles for his personal benefit." (p. 92)

"But forgive, as commonly used by us, is an ambiguous term. In the full sense, involving the restoration of a man to our confidence and affection, we cannot, must not forgive till he repents of the wrong done us. Thus Luke 17:3, ‘And if he repents, forgive him." (Reiterated in v. 4) In the weaker sense of the term, that we bear the wrong-doer no malice, seek no revenge, and are ready to do him a kindness if he needs it, we ought to forgive whether he has repented or not. God’s own course illustrates our duty. God does not forgive a sinner, in the full sense of the term, till he repents; but he loves his enemies--not indeed as he loves his friends--but so that he gives them sunshine and rain (Matt. 5:44, 45). So it is not our duty, it would not be right for us, to restore an unrepenting wrong-doer to confidence and admiring affection, but we must love him with the love of compassion, and if he hunger, must feed him (Rom. 12:19, 20)." (p. 95)

"John tells us that it was Peter [who cut off Malchus’ ear], and also that the official’s name was Malchus. When the other Gospels were written, there might still have been danger to Peter from its becoming generally known that he had done this." (p. 123)

"Next morning [after Jesus’ arrest and trial], the two most miserable men in Jerusalem were doubtless Peter and Judas (Matt. 27:3-5), but how different the result--the difference between suicidal remorse and saving repentance." (p. 127)

"Our Lord never responded to any call for signs of his mission, whether demanded by the people, or insinuated by the tempter (comp. Matt. 4:6; 27:40). Like these rulers are many now who propose their own conditions of believing, but would not believe on any conditions." (p. 134)

"An old writer says the Scriptures give us one instance of true repentance when near to death, that none may despair; but only one instance, that none may presume." (p. 135).

"To us also Jesus speaks as having authority, and we gladly believe whatever he said because he said it." (p. 20)

Taken from: "AS I SEE IT"Volume 11, Number 12, December 2008

["As I See It" is a monthly electronic magazine compiled and edited by Doug Kutilek. Its purpose is to address important issues of the day and to draw attention to worthwhile Christian and other literature in order to aid believers in Jesus Christ, especially pastors, missionaries and Bible college and seminary students to more effectively study and teach the Word of God. The editor’s perspective is that of an independent Baptist of fundamentalist theological persuasion.AISI is sent free to all who request it by writing to the editor at: DKUTILEK@juno.com. You can be removed from the mailing list at the same address. Back issues sent on request. All back issues may be accessed at http://www.KJVOnly.org or just use the bottom link in the upper left-hand corner]

"And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions." (Matthew 22:46)

The two dominant sects among the Jews at the time of Christ were the Sadducees and the Pharisees. Although both of these believed in the divine inspiration of the Scriptures, they both refused to believe that Jesus was the Messiah.

A climactic confrontation occurred during His final week in Jerusalem. Each group tried to trap Him into a compromising doctrinal argument. To the Sadducees, who rejected the doctrine of resurrections, He said: "Have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living" (Matthew 22:31-32). This exposition silenced the Sadducees.

"But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence" (Matthew 22:34), they then tried to trip Him up. He turned the tables on them by a reference to the 110th Psalm, asking how David could call the Messiah Lord if He was David's son (Matthew 22:45). As our text indicates, they also were unable to respond.

It is most significant that each group was silenced with one single word from the Scriptures. To the Sadducees, the word was "am" ("I am the God of Abraham" v. 32), indicating that Abraham was still living. To the Pharisees, the word was "Lord" ("The LORD said unto my Lord" v. 44; that is, "Jehovah said unto Adonai"), proving that the Messiah was both human and divine, descended from David but also David's Lord. Christ's argumentation was based in each case on the determinative authority of just one word in the Scriptures. For Christ the Scriptures were inerrant, and of full and final authority, and they could not answer His claims without rejecting the Scriptures which they professed to believe. HMM

Monday, December 15, 2008

"Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (Psalm 37:4)

Psalm 37 provides cures for the fretting (Hebrew charah, "anger") that comes in a spiritual battle. These emotions explode from the heart of the righteous saint against those who would dare lift up their hand against the Lord.

This beautiful promise and command insists that we luxuriate in our Lord. He is the Lord of inexhaustible riches (Philippians 4:19) and His inexpressible power is at work in His children (Ephesians 3:20).

Isaiah records God’s rhetorical question: "Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness" (Isaiah 55:2). God reminded Israel that the day was coming when they would "be delighted with the abundance of Jerusalem’s glory" (Isaiah 66:11).

Jesus also said, "How much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matthew 7:11).

When we trust the Lord to give us what we need, is it any wonder that He who knows all and owns all will give us the desires of our hearts? If we long for the kingdom of God and His righteousness, why should we marvel when the King of kings grants our desires?

The delight that we have in the work and ministry of the Lord is the key to His answering our "effectual fervent prayer" (James 5:16).

Simply stated, a human heart that is aligned with the beat of the Divine heart will receive God’s bountiful answers (Deuteronomy 5:29). HMM III

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Mark 4:41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

EXODUS 14

Pastor Rick Jackson

We know that when working with electrical systems that crossing your wires can be annoying when it doesn't work or catastrophic when it destroys the object. Many times people cross their wires spiritually. They seek God's help without doing things God's way. Or they ignore God's warnings and are destroyed as a result. We see both these things in Exodus 14 as well as the success when we do things God's way.

Jer. 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

2. The Drive of the Heart [v. 6-8]

Jer. 17:10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

3. The Danger of the Heart [v. 9-10]

Jer. 17:11 As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.II. CROSS THE SEA [v. 10-19]1. Steps of Fear [v. 10-12]

2. Strength of Faith [v. 13-14]

3. Steps of Faith [v. 15-19]

III. CROSSING YOUR WIRES [v. 20-31]1. Same Difference? [v. 20]

The same Word of God that comforts believers, condemns the unbeliever.John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

2. Strong Deliverance [v. 21-22]

3. Sudden Destruction [v. 23-31]

Proverbs 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

1 Thessalonians 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

We were privileged to have Doctor Bobby Brindle at Bradf0rd Baptist Church for the Sunday School Hour and the morning service. It's always a blessing to have him and this giant for God was a blessing again. Rather than try to outline his message let me give you his website where you can hear one of his messages for free for yourself!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Measurable 14C (radiocarbon) has been detected in fossils from the earliest days of radiocarbon dating. In many instances, according to their supposed uniformitarian ages those fossils should be completely 14C-dead, that is, all 14C originally in them should have decayed, so they should not have any 14C left in them.

When these data are put in perspective, their deadly significance to the uniformitarian timescale is readily apparent. 14C has a half-life of 5,730 years. If an organism when it was buried and fossilized contained the level of 14C currently in plants and animals, then after one million years, corresponding to 174.5 14C half-lives, the fraction of the original 14C remaining would be 3 x 10-53. However, a mass of 14C equal to the entire mass of the earth (6 x 1024 kg) contains only about 3 x 1050 14C atoms (Baumgardner 2005). Thus, not a single atom of 14C formed even 1 million years ago anywhere in or on the earth should conceivably still exist. Therefore, there should be absolutely no measurable 14C able to be detected in fossils claimed to be a million or more years old.

Misunderestimated or just mistaken?: Much has been made in the past several months of the former U.S. presidential and vice-presidential candidates’ views on origins. Now the current president weighs in. Read more.

Undiscovered life in an undiscovered ocean: The hypothesized subsurface ocean of Jupiter’s moon Europa was already a hotbed for evolutionists’ hopes for finding extraterrestrial life. Read more.

Friday, December 12, 2008

A friend emailed me these. Thought I'd share them with you again (as I did 2 years ago). Did I mention we were hosting an Open House tonight?

Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving cookies.

Drink as much eggnog as you can and quickly. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an "eggnog-aholic" or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it!!!! Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand-alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello???

Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

Same for pies. Pecan, pumpkin and mincemeat - have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two pecans and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips: Start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Remember this motto to live by: "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body. But rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO-HOO what a ride!"

Thursday, December 11, 2008

In addition to communicating with the local Air Traffic Control facility, all aircraft in the Persian Gulf AOR are required to give the Iranian Air Defense Radar (military) a ten minute 'heads up' if they will be transiting Iranian airspace.

This is a common procedure for commercial aircraft and involves giving them your call sign, transponder code, type aircraft, and points of origin and destination.

I just flew with a guy who overheard this conversation on the VHF Guard(emergency) frequency 121.5 MHz while flying from Europe to Dubai. It's too good not to pass along. The conversation went something like this...

Air Defense Radar: 'Unknown aircraft at (location unknown), you are in Iranian airspace. Identify yourself.'

Aircraft: 'This is a United States aircraft. I am in Iraqi airspace.'

Air Defense Radar: 'You are in Iranian airspace. If you do not depart our airspace we will launch interceptor aircraft!'

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

1 Timothy 5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

3. Fear Self (the flesh)

1 Corinthians 2:3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.2 Corinthians 7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.Hebrews 12:21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)Hebrews 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:Hebrews 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

BARACK OBAMA: The chicken crossed the road because it was time for a change! The chicken wanted change!

SARAH PALIN: Before it got to the other side, I shot the chicken, cleaned and dressed it, and had chicken burgers for lunch.

JOHN MC CAIN: My friends, that chicken crossed the road because he recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the chickens on the other side of the road.

HILLARY CLINTON: When I was First Lady, I personally helped that little chicken to cross the road. This experience makes me uniquely qualified to ensure right from Day One that every chicken in this country gets the chance it deserves to cross the road. But then, this really isn't about me. P.S. Please send in your contributions!

GEORGE W. BUSH: We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road, or not The chicken is either against us, or for us. There is no middle ground here.

DICK CHENEY: Where's my gun?

COLIN POWELL: Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the satellite image of the chicken crossing the road…

BILL CLINTON: I did not cross the road with that chicken. What is your definition of chicken?

AL GORE: I invented the chicken.

JOHN KERRY: Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am now against it! It was the wrong road to cross, and I was misled about the chicken's intentions. I am not for it now, and will remain against it.

DR. PHIL: The problem we have here is that this chicken won't realize that he must first deal with the problem on this side of the road before it goes after the problem on the other side of the road. What we need to do is help him realize how stupid he's acting by not taking on his current problems before adding new problems.

ANDERSON COOPER, CNN: We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but we have not yet been allowed to have access to the other side of the road.

NANCY GRACE: That chicken crossed the road because he's guilty! You can see it in his eyes and the way he walks.

MARTHA STEWART: No one called me to warn me which way that chicken was going. I had a standing order at the Farmer's Market to sell my eggs when the price dropped to a certain level. No little bird gave me any insider information.

DR SEUSS: Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad? Yes, the chicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I've not been told.

ERNEST HEMINGWAY: To die in the rain, alone.

SEN. KENNEDY: If that chicken got hit and killed while crossing the road, just toss it into the river and say it drowned.

GRANDPA: In my day we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road. Somebody told us the chicken crossed the road, and that was good enough.

BARBARA WALTERS: Isn't that interesting? In a few months, we will be listening to the chicken tell, for the first time, the heart warming story of how it experienced a serious case of molting, and went on to accomplish its lifelong dream of crossing the road.

ROSIE O’DONNELL: That chicken knew that if it talked ‘funny’ and dressed up as if it was Baa-Baa-Wahhtars that it could go anywhere and do anything it wanted. Well I am here to tell you, I will fight it ALL THE WAY!

ARISTOTLE: It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.

JOHN LENNON: Imagine all the chickens in the world crossing roads together, in peace.

BILL GATES: I have just released e-Chicken 2008, which will not only cross roads, but will lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance your checkbook. Internet Explorer is an integral part of e-Chicken 2008. This new platform is much more stable and will never crash or need to be rebooted.

ALBERT EINSTEIN: Did the chicken really cross the road, or did the road move beneath the chicken?

Monday, December 08, 2008

Zechariah 7:4-6 "Then came the word of the LORD of hosts unto me saying, Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month, even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me? And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink, did not ye eat for yourselves, and drink for yourselves?"

How's Your Heart?

For seventy years-ever since the old temple had burned-the children of Israel had fasted at regular intervals to mourn the destruction of the temple. Now that the temple was rebuilt, the Israelites wondered whether the Lord wanted them to continue fasting every fifth and seventh month. They were concerned that their outward practices were exactly right-they wanted to "cross all of their t's."

God responds to their question with a question of His own: "When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month; even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even unto me? And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink, did not ye eat for yourselves, and drink for yourselves?" These were indicting questions! The Lord is saying to them, "I was not impressed by your seventy years of fasting because you did it for the wrong reasons. You did it for yourself!"

God is not impressed with outward piety. He is pleased when He sees that your heart is His. Do not misunderstand-doing right outwardly and being right inwardly are not mutually exclusive! You should never assume that Christians with strict outward standards are hypocrites on the inside. God wants our outward practices to be in line with His Word, but He is not satisfied with only outward practices. He wants both outward obedience and inward devotion to Him. One without the other is of no worth to God.

We see this theme throughout the Scriptures. James 1:27 characterizes "pure religion" by compassion on the needy ("to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction"). Paul teaches the Corinthians important principles about separation and then reminds them of the "bottom line" in I Corinthians 10:31: "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." I John 4 reminds us that if we don't love our brother, we can't say that we love God. In Matthew 5, the Lord warns us against offering a sacrifice to Him if we have something against our brother. Do you see how important inward devotion is to God? He does not just want our hands; He wants our hearts!

The Israelites were so quick to "do, do, do" that they were not listening to God anymore. Before you rush into action for God today, stop to make sure your heart is close to Him. Pause to listen to His voice. Once you have heard Him and made your heart in tune with His, you are ready to get busy for God!

Prayer Requests:- New York City Evangelistic Outreach next month (Jan. 5-9, 2009)

1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE STRENGTH OF THE SAYING (LOGOS)1. It is a Faithful Saying

1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.2 Corinthians 1:18 But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.

2. It is a Worthy Saying

There are some sayings that aren't worth the breath it takes to say them. Not so this one.

Hebrews 11:38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.Revelation 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

It carries the idea of being deserving of a positive hearing.

3. It is a Saying to be Accepted

It is not just good for some, it is good for all! Universally!

Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

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When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Psalm 8:3-4